Abstract
The purpose of this study lies on reinterpreting the geography books in Joseon dynasty as records of the cities and consequently suggesting directions for further urban research. Geography books of Joseon dynasty are valuable references to understand the national policy, and imply that the focus of the contents is on the system. Especially, military system is an important concept to understand city type in that period, relationships between cities, selection of location, etc. The results of review are as following: First, military system is not a permanent fixture and therefore reflects changes in urban policies along with the history. The system suggests valuable clues on urban development as it is state-run, and closely associated with national land development. Second, counties and prefectures under jurisdiction of district called Eupchi(邑治) had cities as important as or even more important than local government such as Yeong-a(營衙), Jinbo(鎭堡), Yeok(驛: administrative cities). Such special regions need to be studied as other type of cities in Joseon dynasty by defining their architectural characteristics and roles. Third, the relationship of cities such as Eupch, Yeong-a, and Jinbo, was reorganized according to the local military system. Eupchi, administrative city, along with Yeong-a and Jinbo evolved into a military city as it became systematically organized. The characteristics of Yeok needs to be reconsidered in the context of such new inter-city relationship. Fourth, considerations which should be reviewed in the geography based on this concept can be mainly classified into architecture and landscape. This will also lay the foundation, and suggest new directions for further research for Eupchi, Yeong-a, Jinbo, and Yeok. Fifth, description of the geography looks simple at first sight, but with thorough understating on the system, there are chances to interpret objective reasoning of position and landscape in the overall flow of region, area, etc. Bongsu(烽燧), signal-fire, can be an object of comparison with geographical features and position. Furthermore, advantageous position is a historical and geographical element showing the major context of the region.
